Hockey rankings: India ascend into fifth place

New Delhi, India men’s hockey team have climbed up to one place to the fifth position in the world rankings issued by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday.

India became the second consecutive runner-up at the Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands in June with winners Australia remaining on top of the ranking chart, thanks to their successful Champions Trophy campaign.

Champions Trophy winners Australia remained on top of the chart, as they claimed their 15th Champions Trophy by defeating India in a shoot-out in the final recently.

With 1906 points, Australia sit 23 points ahead of second-ranked Argentina with 1883 points, followed by Belgium with 1709 points and Netherlands with 1654 points.

India stand at the fifth position on the table with 1484 points, overtaking Germany with 1456 points to sixth from the fifth spot.

Most of the teams in the top 20 are non-movers, although 18th placed Austria and 19th ranked Egypt have climbed ahead of France, who now sit in 20th position.